Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan hollars out instructions at the line of scrimmage at Qwest Field. Ryan threw for 175 yards and three touchdowns against the Seahawks. ELAINE THOMPSON | ASSOCIATED PRESS

Elaine Thompson

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) tries to shake free from Jamaal Anderson, but it didn’t work. Anderson sacked Hasselbeck, who fumbled. The Falcons recovered in the end zone for a touchdown and won the game 34-18. ELAINE THOMPSON | ASSOCIATED PRESS

Elaine Thompson

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was benched in favor of Charlie Whitehurst after two interceptions and losing a fumble for that was recovered for a touchdown. (John Froschauer | Associated Press)

John Froschauer

Atlanta’s Jamaal Anderson, left, goes in for the sack on Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, right, in the third quasrter. The sack caused Hasselbeck to fumble and Atlanta recovered it for a touchdown. Elaine Thompson | ASSOCIATED PRESS

Atlanta Falcons' Roddy White greets fans as he leaves the field after the team defeated the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, in Seattle. The Falcons won 34-18. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)